Common House Problems and how to deal with them

Damp&Mold

Mold can grow on a variety of surfaces, and it can spread quickly if not dealt with.

Why it’s important: Mold needs moisture to grow, so the first step is to find where the dampness is coming from. This could be from leaks, poor ventilation, or high humidity.
What to do:
- Check for leaking pipes, roofs, windows, or walls. If you find leaks, repair them immediately.
- Look for any areas where water might be entering the home, like basements or crawlspaces.
- In bathrooms, check for signs of leaks around the shower, tub, or sink.

Why it’s important: Mold can grow on a variety of surfaces, and it can spread quickly if not dealt with.
What to do:
- Wear gloves, a mask, and eye protection before cleaning mold. You don't want to breathe in spores.
- Clean small patches of mold with a mixture of water and detergent or a 1:1 solution of water and vinegar. For more stubborn mold, use bleach (1 cup bleach to 1 gallon water). Scrub the affected area thoroughly and dry completely.
- For larger infestations, or mold that's spread deep into porous materials (like drywall or insulation), you may need to remove and replace the affected materials.

Why it’s important: High humidity levels create the perfect environment for mold to grow.
What to do:
- Use a dehumidifier in damp areas like basements or bathrooms to keep humidity levels below 60%.
- Open windows or use fans to improve airflow, especially in high-moisture areas like kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms.
- During colder months, avoid drying clothes indoors or use a vented dryer.
- Consider adding a humidity monitor to keep track of the levels.

Why it’s important: Mold-resistant products can help prevent mold from returning.
What to do:
- Use mold-resistant paint on walls in bathrooms or basements.
- Consider using mold-resistant drywall (also called “green board”) in areas prone to dampness.
- Use moisture-resistant sealants on surfaces that are prone to mold growth, like around windows and in the bathroom.

Why it’s important: Water left standing in areas like spills or leaks can quickly lead to mold growth.
What to do:
- If you notice any wet spots, dry them immediately. This includes wiping up water on floors or walls after spills, or drying out any areas that get wet after a leak.
- If you’ve experienced flooding, make sure to dry everything thoroughly and use fans or dehumidifiers to speed up the drying process.

Common Painting Problems in Homes and How to Solve Them

Tips

Problem: Paint appears patchy, and the surface does not look uniform.
Cause: Skipping primer, using low-quality paint, or not applying enough coats.
Solution:
- Always use a primer for porous or previously unpainted surfaces.
- Use high-quality paint with good pigmentation.
- Apply at least two coats, allowing adequate drying time between coats.

Problem: Paint begins to peel or flake off after application.
Cause: Moisture, poor surface preparation, or using the wrong type of paint.
Solution:
- Scrape off the peeling paint and sand the area.
- Ensure the surface is clean and dry before repainting.
- Use moisture-resistant paint in areas prone to dampness, like kitchens and bathrooms.

Problem: Bubbles form under the paint layer.
Cause: Painting over a wet or damp surface, excessive heat, or poor adhesion.
Solution:
- Remove the bubbled paint and sand the area.
- Allow surfaces to dry completely before painting.
- Avoid painting in direct sunlight or high humidity.

Problem: Fine lines or cracks appear in the paint.
Cause: Applying paint too thickly, using low-quality paint, or improper surface preparation.
Solution:
- Remove the cracked paint by scraping and sanding.
- Use a filler if the cracks are deep.
- Apply thinner coats of paint with a good brush or roller.

Problem: Paint forms drips or sags as it dries.
Cause: Applying too much paint in one coat or not properly spreading it out.
Solution:
- Sand down drips once dry and repaint the area.
- Avoid overloading the brush or roller.
- Use even, consistent strokes when applying paint.

Problem: Dark spots or patches form on painted walls.
Cause: High humidity, poor ventilation, or water leaks.
Solution:
- Clean the surface with a mixture of bleach and water (1:3 ratio) to kill mold.
- Ensure the area is dry and well-ventilated before repainting.
- Use mold-resistant paint for high-humidity areas.

Problem: A tap continues to drip even when turned off.
Cause: A worn-out washer or O-ring inside the tap.
DIY Solution:
- Turn off the water supply.
- Dismantle the tap and replace the washer or O-ring.
- Reassemble the tap and test.

Problem: Water continuously flows into the toilet bowl.
Cause: A faulty flapper, chain, or float in the tank.
DIY Solution:
- Remove the tank lid and inspect the flapper for wear or misalignment.
- Adjust the float or replace the flapper if damaged.
- Ensure the chain connecting the flapper to the flush handle is not too short or tangled.

Problem: Weak water flow from taps or showerheads.
Cause: Sediment buildup, clogged aerators, or a partially closed valve.
DIY Solution:
- Clean clogged aerators and showerheads by soaking them in vinegar.
- Ensure the main water valve is fully open.

Problem: Water drains slowly from sinks, baths, or showers.
Cause: Hair, soap, grease, or debris clogging the drain.
DIY Solution:
- Use a plunger to clear the blockage.
- Remove visible debris from the drain trap.
- Pour a mixture of baking soda and vinegar into the drain, followed by hot water.